Navy Captain R.J. Kelly was embarrassed, to say the least. Under his command the 90,000-ton nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, its 4,500 frustrated crewmen just a half-mile from home port after an eight-month tour of the Pacific and Indian oceans, had come under the Golden Gate Bridge through an overcast, windy dawn and run aground on a sandbar. “While it was stuck, the carrier could be seen, listing about 10 degrees to port side, from San Francisco high-rise office buildings. Tugs struggled to keep the ship from listing further or grinding farther into the bay bottom,” United Press International reported. At last, around 3:00 that afternoon, the Enterprise docked and crewmen embraced family members who had gazed at the behemoth in the harbor all day–so near, and yet so far. In a press conference, Captain Kelly said he was in charge, and he took all the blame. The Navy usually retires captains in such circumstances, but after an investigation “grace abounded,” apparently: Kelly eventually became a four-star admiral and commander in chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. [USS Enterprise (CVN-65)-Wikipedia]

Across the country in Kennebunkport, Maine, overlooking the rocky, wind-lashed Atlantic shore, a plaque is mounted on a sea-facing wall at George H.W. Bush’s summer home. “CAVU,” it declares. That’s shorthand for “Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited”– an aeronautical description of perfect flying conditions. No stranger to aircraft carriers, having served as a World War II fighter pilot, Bush explains this theme of unlimited potential: “I will not pass by without realizing how lucky I am, for this plaque describes my own life as it has been over the years . . .”

On this hot summer weekend you might find a cool spot and dive into the 24 Old-Testament chapters of Joshua. High drama contrasts this man’s CAVU victories (when he waited for God to instruct him) with his agonizing defeats, run aground on a sand bar (when he forged ahead on his own). When God said to Joshua, “Moses is dead” and appointed Joshua to look forward–not back–take action, tell the people to pack their bags and prepare to conquer the promised land and live in it (no more manna)–he must have felt concerned. Being successor to Moses was no small task. But Joshua’s responsibility was different. God said: “As I was with Moses, I will be with you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.” Joshua 1:5, 6. Then God laid out His flight plan. Read it for yourself in the next verses! And sure enough: Joshua’s Jericho victory was spectacular. But then, ripe with victory, Joshua sent scouts to Ai; on their advice he decided to take that town, forgetting to ask God first: a certain recipe for defeat! Joshua acknowledged his responsibility, and grace abounded: God sent the troops back to Ai and victory this time.

It’s always best to check your plans with God. Singer Holly Starr musically portrays God’s joy when we do things His way:

“I’ll watch you dance when you see the plans I’ve made for us
When you take my hand I’ll watch you dance
I love you!”
(Compare Zephaniah 3:17)

This Sabbath

Our Senior Pastor, James Winegardner, will speak during our 9:00 and 11:30 Sanctuary worship services. Director of Discipleship Mary Ellen Winegardner will welcome you, and Ruth Just will tell the children’s story. Pastor of Children’s and Family Ministry Travis Patterson will call for the offering, which will support Keene Church Ministries and Operations. Music will be provided by Gisela Essig (piano); Tania Sanchez (Viola); the Villania family; Ella Paul (soloist); Hughbrey Arroz (violin); Iesach Arroz (cello); and Frances Arroz (piano). Steve Bradley will serve as Deacon in Charge.

Young Adults,Southwestern Adventist University Assistant Chaplain April Chisholm will preach about “Majoring in the Minors – Amos” during The Middle Service in the Fellowship Hall at 10:15. You won’t want to miss this summer message!

A light Children’s Ministry Breakfast will be held 10:00-10:15 AM in the old 5th grade Sabbath School room. Children must be checked in first.

Keene Church Forever Family Watermelon and Ice Cream Social – August 18, 7:00 PM! Bring your favorite homemade ice cream and cookies. Your social committee will provide watermelons. Join us for vespers on the grassy field by Hopps Museum. Bring your lawn chairs!

We’re planning a church campout at Lake Whitney State Park October 26 to 28! Please email secretary@keenechurch.com right away to tell us if you’re interested. We need to know how many camp spaces to reserve at the park. Be refreshed in autumn’s crisp outdoor beauty!

Did you know that we have a driving ministry that helps those who are unable to drive to go to places in the Keene area they need to get to? It is a wonderful ministry that helps people in simple but meaningful ways. We are looking for additional volunteers. If you’d like to learn more about this ministry and get involved, please contact the church office. (secretary@keeenchurch.com)

Did you miss out on the fun of “adopting” a Southwestern Adventist University student last year? Or did you find it so rewarding that you’d love to do it again for the 2018-2019 school year? For information, or to sign up, email secretary@keenechurch.com by August 8. This year the University will have students sign up during fall registration!

Our community

Your Best Pathway to Health | Fort Worth mega-clinic is coming to Fort Worth September 19-21. Roughly 2,000 volunteers are needed. Every volunteer must register at PathwayToHealthVolunteer.org. See our literature wall rack by the Welcome desk for specific volunteer needs.

Discover the Healthier You! Support each other dealing with the challenges of diabetes and pre-diabetes on the second Thursday of each month from 5:30 to 6:30 PM at Texas Health Huguley Campus Education Building, 11903 Medpark Drive, Fort Worth. Reserve a seat: 817-568-5503.

In conclusion

“As you read the accounts of God’s miraculous work through men and women in the Bible, you may wonder if God still performs such miracles today. Be assured that the same God who walked with Moses, Joshua, Elijah, Peter, James, John, and Paul now lives within you. No power can defeat the God who guides you. The God who blessed them is just as capable of working out His purposes through your life. The same God who gave them victory over seemingly invincible enemies, who provided for them when their own resources were insufficient, and who guided them in their decisions, is prepared to work as powerfully in your life today. The heroes of the faith had one thing in common: They were all ordinary people with no power of their own. The difference is the mighty presence of God. Times may change, but the effect of God’s presence remains the same.” (“Experiencing God,” Henry and Richard Blackaby, p. 213)

When at last I near the shore,
And the fearful breakers roar
‘Twixt me and the peaceful rest,
Then, while leaning on Thy breast,
May I hear Thee say to me,
“Fear not, I will pilot thee!”
(Edward Hopper)